Do you break a promise?

[Dicky Ticker]

I promised myself that I would not go out on my bike till it was 10c but getting serious withdrawal symptoms and there doesn't seem to be any improvement in the near future.:(

[EssexDave]

I went out today Mac, did the burnham bends, trek back to H&H for a soft drink, then down to danbury and home again.

Was good fun, but it is chilly out!

[TazDaz]

Why does it need to be above 10c?

[Dicky Ticker]

I'm a wimp,no snow and no ice and no frozen extremities

[Ed]

10C is tropical... I prefer it to be above say 4C but I don't mind as long as no ice.

[tigersaw]

minimum 15 degs
I did about 300 miles last year

[wyrdness]

My minimum riding temperature is currently about 3 degrees, but that's only for Devizes to London (about 80 miles). For shorter distances, anything above freezing is OK. I must be getting soft these days as I never used to have minimums.

[-Ralph-]

My minimum temperature is whenever the road is icy and becomes dangerous, ie: the bike starts wondering about underneath you. I don't mind -5 so long as the road is dry or carrying plenty traffic and well salted. Motorway speeds in freezing temperatures need thermals, extra fleeces, extra socks, and either heated grips or fleece gloves under my winter gloves. There is no such thing as "too cold", only inappropriate gear/clothing.

My biggest hate about winter riding is having to stop every 50 miles to clean your visor, and what the salt does to the bike, but I have a winter hack now.

It starting snowing whilst you are miles from home is always a risk in winter, especially if it settles on the road.

[CheGuevara]

Seems to me a promise to self is more of a pledge than say a real promise to others, especially if it's not terribly important - what difference will 8c make than say 10c really, providing the roads are in ridable condition.

That said, have you not officialy cracked 10c since your promise? At least not somewhere (temperature) in your vicinity? If so, promise not broken.

Otherwise, if the spirit of your promise was not broken (even if perhaps the temperature and conditions were slightly misguided), then I believe you hvae some grace.

[yorkie_chris]

My minimum temperature is whenever the road is icy and becomes dangerous, ie: the bike starts wondering about underneath you. I don't mind -5 so long as the road is dry or carrying plenty traffic and well salted. Motorway speeds in freezing temperatures need thermals, extra fleeces, extra socks, and either heated grips or fleece gloves under my winter gloves. There is no such thing as "too cold", only inappropriate gear/clothing.

+1 temp doesn't bother me, crashing does.

[Balky001]

depends how far you are going as to whether its worth breaking a promise. I think you should keep to it.

Don't listen to these hard riding young men where arctic conditons wont stop their riding enjoyment (unless it is icy). Think of the arthritis and stiff joints when trying to get back off the bike! Maybe 15 degrees would be better ;)

[Dicky Ticker]

Paul,You have hit the nail on the head,even when the weather is warmer I only do about 70-80miles before I have to get off and stretch my legs,have a pee and a fag.It makes for leisurely riding,not pushing yourself endurance ways,OK individuals have different limits but after 45years bike riding I don't feel I have to prove myself to anybody.Anyway in this cold weather I have the choice of three cars sitting outside and I would rather be safe than sorry,considering the number of "Offs" reported on here by the people who are riding in adverse conditions.
Roll on April when it is a bit warmer,even if it is wet.
Me thinks I will keep my promise on reflection.